Malibu Fire Destroys Seven Acres, Seriously Injures Member Of Firefighting Crew
A Malibu fire destroyed an estimated seven acres of land and seriously injured at least one member of a firefighting crew. Although officials confirmed the blaze is 35 percent contained, a voluntary evacuation is currently underway.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed the blaze was reported in person, as the witness was unable to get a cell phone signal at the scene. Authorities believe the Malibu fire started just after midnight and quickly spread through the brush along Mulholland Highway in the Santa Monica mountains.
Officials originally estimated the fire covered 20 acres of land. However, the size was later downgraded to approximately seven acres. Authorities said nearly 200 firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Ventura County Fire Department are battling the blaze on the ground, while two helicopters make water drops.
Amid the Malibu fire, authorities closed several roads, including Mulholland Highway between Little Sycamore Canyon Road and the Pacific Coast Highway.
Ventura County Star reports children are being evacuated from Camp Bloomfield and Camp JCA Shalom. However, the evacuations were not mandatory.
Several residents voluntarily evacuated their homes as a precaution, but authorities do not believe any buildings or residential homes are in danger. Authorities said the light winds are preventing widespread damage and helping with their containment of the blaze.
Female inmate firefighter suffers major injuries while battling Malibu brush fire https://t.co/8ybUAkzb9J pic.twitter.com/gEHjrqXxYl
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 25, 2016
Thursday’s Malibu fire only caused one injury, and has not destroyed any structures. However, the Great Malibu Fire of 1993 was one of the worst disasters in the region’s history.
As the region was experiencing exceptionally high temperatures, low humidity, and strong wind, authorities issued a “Red Flag” warning on November 1, 1993. Fewer than 24 hours later, a small brush fire was reported on Old Topanga Canyon Road. Although firefighters rushed to the scene, the blaze destroyed more than 1,000 acres within the first hour.
An estimated 7,000 firefighters and support personnel were called to the scene from more than 1,000 fire companies. Malibu Complete reports that “it was the largest deployment of firefighters” in California history.
“… 165 engine strike teams of 5-6 vehicles each, 25 single resource engines and Emergency Support Teams, 129 hand crews, 31 air tankers, 23 helicopters, 13 bulldozers, 50 water tenders, 8 food dispensers… plus the support of 458 agencies from 12 states.”
Although the response was massive, the 1993 Malibu fire raged for a total of three days and caused nearly $400 million in damage.
According to official reports, the blaze destroyed nearly 18,000 acres of watershed and more than 740 residential homes. The massive fire was also responsible for at least three deaths and dozens of injuries.
In addition to injuries and damage to personal property and the region’s infrastructure, the 1993 Malibu fire was devastating to the environment and established natural habitats.
Although officials determined the 1993 Malibu fire was a case of arson, nobody was ever arrested for setting the deadly blaze.
The cause of Thursday’s Malibu fire remains unknown. However, authorities are not ruling out arson. When the fire is extinguished, and everyone is safe, officials will sift through the debris in an attempt to determine the initial source.
WATCH #LIVE: Firefighters making progress on Malibu brush fire; at least 7 acres scorched https://t.co/9lpm5gdb7M pic.twitter.com/V9nBnh8gw6
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) February 25, 2016
NBC reports the woman injured in Thursday’s blaze was an inmate at a local correctional facility, who was a member of the firefighting crew.
The woman was hired through a program, which is run by The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and is limited to non-violent offenders. Inmates with a record of good behavior are chosen by the DOC and trained to work as CalFire crew members throughout the state.
According to reports, the unidentified woman was struck in the head by a falling rock. Although she was airlifted away from the scene and rushed to a local hospital, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed she suffered “major injuries” and is currently hospitalized.
Officials confirmed the Malibu fire is still not fully contained. However, they do not expect any further damage or injuries, as it is currently contained.
[Image via PeteJW/Shutterstock]
